Faith — A Key Tool in Parenting Against Racism
In light of the recent murder of George Floyd which has led to an uproar against racial injustices towards African Americans, there has been immense discussion surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement, systemic racism, and the history of racial injustices not only in America but across the world.
The recent events have proved that sadly, even after years of oppression towards the black community, nothing has changed. I, like many others, have learnt a great deal from the current dialogue on racial injustice. It was shocking for me to learn that systemic racism has been so deeply rooted into American society for decades as someone who did not grow up in this country. The disparities within the health system, in crime, wealth and the education system between white and black Americans is astonishing.
Sadly, there are some who still fail to recognize that racial injustice is a problem or that it even exists, which is why it is so important that we continue these discussions. The more we talk about it, the more chances we have in creating change.
Education and change start at home. It is important that we commit to educating and examining ourselves first. I have pushed myself to self-reflect on my own shortcomings and evaluate where I stand. As parents it is vital that we do this if we want to ensure our kids grow to be free from any form of racial prejudice or bias against others. One thing I have learned is, if you are serious about change, you must go through uncomfortable situations. It is the only way to grow for you to make a change in yourself and those around you.
Racism is not new, it is an ongoing problem which needs to be continuously addressed. So we cannot avoid talking about it with our kids. Build on conversations about racism with your kids from early on. Encourage them to interact with people of all races and teach them about different religious and cultural traditions throughout the world. Right now, they may feel scared or confused about the current situation. Validate their feelings and acknowledge their fears and worries. Ask them how they feel about what they are seeing and what they think of it. Be clear and direct — emphasize why racism is wrong and present them with the facts. Talk about the history of injustices the black community has faced through systemic racism — the Jim Crow laws, Red Lining, the burning down of Black Wall Street etc., a lot of which is not taught in schools.
Most importantly, teach them to see the good in others, to shun selfish and egoistic desires, as it is self-interest which ultimately breeds hate and racist ideas.
For me personally, relying on my faith has greatly helped me navigate my thoughts and emotions in a positive direction during this time of chaos and uncertainty, and has helped guide me in my own conversations with my kids.
Islam teaches that all humans are created equal and there is no such concept of a superior race. Furthermore, according to the Holy Qur’an all different races and ethnicities simply exemplify the beauty and diversity in God’s creation. In the sight of God, all humans are equal except in terms of righteousness. The Qur’an states, “O mankind, we have created you from a male and a female; and we have made you into tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognize one another. Verily, the most honorable among you, in the sight of God, is he who is the most righteous among you” (49:14).
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) reiterated this in his farewell sermon. He said, “An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab; no white person has superiority over a black person, nor is a black person superior to a white person — except by piety and good action.”
With all the unrest in the world right now, I carry hope with the belief that most of us are trying our best to come together for the greater good. There is never a limit to the good we can do. Even one good action can multiply into many more, and it is only the power of good actions that can ultimately prevail over evil.
“Surely, good works drive away evil works. This is a reminder for those who would remember” (Holy Qur’an, Chapter 11:115).
